I dont even have to start my first paragraph with a rut roh for the Oklahoma Sooners because we all know that they are in deep trouble right now. They were apart of the biggest shocker of college football this Saturday as they fell to #20 BYU by a point as they lost their Heisman quarterback Sam Bradford to a sprained AC Joint on his throwing shoulder. Two words for any OU fans: Not good.
My roommate E was relishing in the moment of Bradford going down (not that he condones injury) because in his opinion, he had "Matt Leinart Disease" which I am now trademarking for the blog giving E credit every time I use it. Bradford had to come back to try to win a National Championship which I respect and love about him (same with Colt McCoy) although now it looks real bad with this injury usually leaving someone out for 2-4 weeks.
The Sooners probably feel that playing in new Cowboy Stadium is a complete curse and they play another one there against Texas in a month. As Floyd Money Merriweather said "Step your game up!" but seriously things couldn't have gotten off to a worse start for the Boomer Sooner. They can take care of Idaho State without Bradford but Tulsa is not a complete pushover. Oklahoma needs him ready for Miami on the third of October.
Also you have to give props to BYU. I know I have been extra hard on the Mountain West throughout the past couple of years but now with this win plus Utah defeat of Alabama last year, you have to respect their conference. They have some good teams that I think can play with the big boys once a year. I am not saying they should all join the Pac-10 but they deserve more respect than the nation is giving them. BYU has a very tough road ahead of them playing most of their challenging games on the road this year but who knows they might find themselves in the BCS.
-Charlie.
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Showing posts with label Oklahoma Sooners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oklahoma Sooners. Show all posts
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Your College Football Preview
I wish I could give you a full rundown of each conference but thanks to my drinking habits I have not had time for it. This will have three key players, big games, and where they will end up. Also I will just the AP Top 25 just like last year until the BCS comes out. I will say this if I do not make my picks in time that the Fighting Mitch Pratts (Oregon Ducks) will beat Bosie State on the Smurf Turf Thursday Night. HERE WE GO!!!
1. Florida Gators: KEY PLAYERS: QB Tim Tebow (AKA God), ILB Brandon Spikes, S Major Wright KEY GAMES: vs. Tennessee (9/19), at #11 LSU (10/10), vs. Georgia (10/31), vs. #18 Florida State (11/28). OUTLOOK: Say hello to another National Championship for the Gators who face a pretty favorable SEC schedule avoiding Alabma and Ole Miss. They must get by Death Valley in Week Five. 12-0 Nat'l Champs.
2. Texas Longhorns: KEY PLAYERS: QB Colt McCoy, WR Jordan Shipley, WLB Roddrick Muckelroy. KEY GAMES: vs. Texas Tech (9/19), vs. 3. Oklahoma (10/17), at 9. Oklahoma State (10/31), at Texas A&M (11/26). OUTLOOK: I have a BCS bid for the Longhorns but I really do believe that OU will get it done in the Red River Shootout if not, a big game at Stillwater looms as well.
3. Oklahoma Sooners: KEY PLAYERS: QB Sam Bradford, TE Jermaine Greshman (hurt), RB DeMarco Murray. KEY GAMES: vs. #20 BYU (9/5), vs. 2. Texas (10/17), at 24. Nebraska (11/07), vs. #9. Oklahoma St. (11/28) OUTLOOK: I also have a BCS bid for the Sooners, it might be one of those years where a one loss team gets in. I have a tough time seeing Boomer Sooner going untouch in the Big 12.
4. USC Trojans: KEY PLAYERS: S Taylor Mays, RB Joe McKnight, WR Daimen Williams. KEY GAMES: at Ohio State (9/12), at #12 California (10/3), at #23 Notre Dame (10/17), at #16 Oregon (10/31) OUTLOOK: I trust that Pete Carroll knows what he is doing with quarterbacks but for the Trojans having four tough road games in a row... eh. I dont know if they can escaped that. They will lose one if not two this year .
5. Alabama Crimson Tide: KEY PLAYERS: DT Terrence Cody, WR Julio Jones, RB Mark Ingram. KEY GAMES: vs. #7 Virgina Tech (9/5), at #8 Mississippi (10/10), vs. #11 LSU (11/07) OUTLOOK: The Tide have a pretty favorable schedule and they could find themselves in a rematch with Florida in the SEC Championship game. Also Cody is a no doubt about it the best run stopper in the NCAA.
6. Ohio State Buckeyes: KEY PLAYERS: QB Terrelle Pryor, DE Thaddeus Gibson, CB Kurt Coleman KEY GAMES: vs. #4 USC (9/12), at #9 Penn State (11/07), vs. #22 Iowa (11/14), at Michigan (11/21). OUTLOOK: I honestly was ready to put the Buckeyes in the Nat'l Championship game but honestly their defense will need some time to get it together. Also the Nittany Lions/Hawkeyes back-to-back is tough.
7. Virginia Tech Hokies: KEY PLAYERS: QB Tyrod Tyler, RB Darren Evans, CB Stephan Virgil. KEY GAMES: vs. #5 Alabama (9/5), vs. #24 Nebraska (9/19), at 15. Georgia Tech (10/17), vs. #21 North Carolina (10/29). OUTLOOK: Easily the toughest non-conference schedule in the Top 25 and if they could power through that they could be in the top five. The ACC is one of the lesser divisions in the BCS too.
8. Mississippi Rebels: KEY PLAYERS: QB Jevan Snead, RB Dexter McCluster, DL Ted Laurent KEY GAMES: vs. #5 Alabama (10/10), vs. #11 LSU. OUTLOOK: They have a couple other road blocks that aren't top twenty-five but who knows they could get past these two teams both in Oxford setting a rematch with the Gators.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions: KEY PLAYERS: QB Daryll Clark, RB Evan Royster, LB Sean Lee. KEY GAMES: vs. #22 Iowa (9/26), vs. #6 Ohio State (11/07) OUTLOOK: I like the Nittany Lions schedule, they have a couple games that could result in an upset like last year but if they keep their head straight, they should head back to the BCS.
10. Oklahoma State Cowboys: KEY PLAYERS: QB Zac Robinson, WR Dez Bryant, RB Kendall Hunter KEY GAMES: vs. Georgia (9/5), vs. #2 Texas (10/31), at #3 Oklahoma (11/28) OUTLOOK: This year's Texas Tech? I think so, I will be watching intently to see how they do against Georgia tomorrow which will be the tell-tale sign of if the Cowboys are for real.
11. LSU Tigers: KEY PLAYERS: RB Charles Scott, WR Brandon LaFell, S Chad Jones: KEY GAMES: at #13 Georgia (10/03), vs. #1 Florida (10/10), at #5 Alabama (11/07), at #8 Mississippi (11/21) OUTLOOK: Pretty challenging schedule for the Tigers who really don't have a quarterback and I wouldn't be surprised if they are barely in the Top 25 by the end of the year.
12. California Golden Bears: KEY PLAYERS: RB Jahvid Best, DE Tyson Alualu, DE Cameron Jordan KEY GAMES: at #16 Oregon (9/26) vs. #4. USC (10/03) OUTLOOK: They could have a successful year with Best being the top running back in the nation and they have great D-Line as well. I see second in the Pac-10.
13. Georgia Bulldogs: KEY PLAYERS: WR A.J. Green, S Reshard Jones, LB Rennie Curren KEY GAMES: at #9 Oklahoma State (9/5) vs. #11 LSU (10/03) vs. #1 Florida (10/31) at #15 Georgia Tech (11/28) OUTLOOK: Who knows what in store for this team, Joe Cox has done some nice things when Stafford went down in years past and they have a some solid defense. Should be an interesting year.
14. Boise State Broncos: I wont give them the full run down because I think we saw last night that they are a very good team that should run the table in the WAC with a possible BCS birth at the end of the year. You never know which Bronco team you are going to get with Head Coach Chris Peterson's trickery.
15. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: KEY PLAYERS: RB Jonathan Dwyer, QB Josh Nesbit, S Morgan Burnett KEY GAMES: at #18 Florida State (10/10) vs. #7 Virgina Tech (10/17) vs #13 Georgia (11/28) OUTLOOK: Despite their old school offense, they could have a huge year but I am concerned about the back-to-back against FSU/VT though.
16. Oregon Ducks: Once again, no need to give them the full treatment because I think they might not be the team we expected. Also with their returning 1000 yd. rusher LaGarrete Blout may get kick off the team, not good news at all for the Fightin' Mitch Pratts.
17. TCU Horned Frogs: KEY PLAYERS: QB Andy Dalton, DE Jerry Hughes, WR Jimmy Young KEY GAMES:at #20 BYU (10/24) vs. #19 Utah (11/14) OUTLOOK: They have a couple tough games and a pretty young team, I doubt that TCU has the same success as last year.
18. Florida State Seminoles: KEY PLAYERS: QB Christian Ponder, LB Dekoda Watson, CB Patrick Robinson KEY GAMES: vs. Miami (9/7) at #20 BYU (9/19) vs #15 Georgia Tech (10/10) at #21 North Carolina (10/22) at #1 Florida (11/28) OUTLOOK: The Noles have a tough schedule with a lot of road games but if they could blow out the Cougars in two weeks that would be a big sign.
19. Utah Utes: Once again, they played on Thursday and now have a fifteen game winning streak. That will likely come to the end when dealing with Ducks, Colorado, TCU, and BYU all on the road this year doesnt look good for the Utes.
20. Brigham Young Cougars: KEY PLAYERS: QB Max Hall, TE Dennis Pitta, DE Jan Jorgenson KEY GAMES: at #3 Oklahoma (09/05), vs. #18 Florida State (09/19), vs.#17 TCU (10/24), vs. #19 Utah (11/28) OUTLOOK: Hall is a beast but the true question is can they win one of their two non-conference games? If that happens, the Cougars may be the real deal.
21. North Carolina Tar Heels: KEY PLAYERS: QB T.J. Yates, CB Kendric Burney, RB Shaun Draughan KEY GAMES: at #15 Georgia Tech (9/26) vs. #18 Florida State (10/22) at #7 Viriginia Tech (10/29) OUTLOOK: Butch Davis knows how to flat out win and Yates is the real deal. The Tar Heels could possibly win the ACC this year.
22. Iowa Hawkeyes: KEY PLAYERS: QB Ricky Stanzi, WR Derell Johnson-Koulianos, LB Pat Angerer KEY GAMES: at #9 Penn State (9/26), at #6 Ohio State (11/14) OUTLOOK: I would love to say for my buddy JS that they will be in the BCS but I just cant see them winning in Happy Valley and the Horseshoe. They will finish third in the Big Ten though.
23. Notre Dame Fightin' Irish: KEY PLAYERS: QB Jimmy Clausen, WR Golden Tate, RB Armando Allen KEY GAMES: vs. #4 USC (10/17) vs. Boston College (10/24) OUTLOOK: Probably the easiest schedule the Golden Domers have had in years and if they dont get to a New Years Day bowl then its bye bye to Charlie Weis.
24. Nebraska Cornhuskers: KEY PLAYERS: RB Roy Helu Jr. TE Mark McNeill, DT Ndamukong Sun KEY GAMES: at #7 Viriginia Tech (9/19), vs. #3 Oklahoma, at #25 Kansas (11/14) OUTLOOK: I think we will find out where the Cornhuskers stand after the Virigina Tech game and the Sooner game should be a big-time showdown.
25. Kansas Jayhawks: KEY PLAYERS: QB Todd Reesing, WR Dezmon Briscoe, S Darrell Stuckey KEY GAMES: vs #3. Oklahoma (10/24) vs. 24 Nebraska (11/14), at #2 Texas (11/21) OUTLOOK: I was amazed to see Reesing still playing and Briscoe is a hell of player too. Although they have too many tough games to be a contender in the Big 12 North.
Other teams to watch: Oregon State, Michigan State, Illinois, Texas Tech, and West Virigina
If I got something wrong here well its been a long week and now you get picks.
-Charlie.
1. Florida Gators: KEY PLAYERS: QB Tim Tebow (AKA God), ILB Brandon Spikes, S Major Wright KEY GAMES: vs. Tennessee (9/19), at #11 LSU (10/10), vs. Georgia (10/31), vs. #18 Florida State (11/28). OUTLOOK: Say hello to another National Championship for the Gators who face a pretty favorable SEC schedule avoiding Alabma and Ole Miss. They must get by Death Valley in Week Five. 12-0 Nat'l Champs.
2. Texas Longhorns: KEY PLAYERS: QB Colt McCoy, WR Jordan Shipley, WLB Roddrick Muckelroy. KEY GAMES: vs. Texas Tech (9/19), vs. 3. Oklahoma (10/17), at 9. Oklahoma State (10/31), at Texas A&M (11/26). OUTLOOK: I have a BCS bid for the Longhorns but I really do believe that OU will get it done in the Red River Shootout if not, a big game at Stillwater looms as well.
3. Oklahoma Sooners: KEY PLAYERS: QB Sam Bradford, TE Jermaine Greshman (hurt), RB DeMarco Murray. KEY GAMES: vs. #20 BYU (9/5), vs. 2. Texas (10/17), at 24. Nebraska (11/07), vs. #9. Oklahoma St. (11/28) OUTLOOK: I also have a BCS bid for the Sooners, it might be one of those years where a one loss team gets in. I have a tough time seeing Boomer Sooner going untouch in the Big 12.
4. USC Trojans: KEY PLAYERS: S Taylor Mays, RB Joe McKnight, WR Daimen Williams. KEY GAMES: at Ohio State (9/12), at #12 California (10/3), at #23 Notre Dame (10/17), at #16 Oregon (10/31) OUTLOOK: I trust that Pete Carroll knows what he is doing with quarterbacks but for the Trojans having four tough road games in a row... eh. I dont know if they can escaped that. They will lose one if not two this year .
5. Alabama Crimson Tide: KEY PLAYERS: DT Terrence Cody, WR Julio Jones, RB Mark Ingram. KEY GAMES: vs. #7 Virgina Tech (9/5), at #8 Mississippi (10/10), vs. #11 LSU (11/07) OUTLOOK: The Tide have a pretty favorable schedule and they could find themselves in a rematch with Florida in the SEC Championship game. Also Cody is a no doubt about it the best run stopper in the NCAA.
6. Ohio State Buckeyes: KEY PLAYERS: QB Terrelle Pryor, DE Thaddeus Gibson, CB Kurt Coleman KEY GAMES: vs. #4 USC (9/12), at #9 Penn State (11/07), vs. #22 Iowa (11/14), at Michigan (11/21). OUTLOOK: I honestly was ready to put the Buckeyes in the Nat'l Championship game but honestly their defense will need some time to get it together. Also the Nittany Lions/Hawkeyes back-to-back is tough.
7. Virginia Tech Hokies: KEY PLAYERS: QB Tyrod Tyler, RB Darren Evans, CB Stephan Virgil. KEY GAMES: vs. #5 Alabama (9/5), vs. #24 Nebraska (9/19), at 15. Georgia Tech (10/17), vs. #21 North Carolina (10/29). OUTLOOK: Easily the toughest non-conference schedule in the Top 25 and if they could power through that they could be in the top five. The ACC is one of the lesser divisions in the BCS too.
8. Mississippi Rebels: KEY PLAYERS: QB Jevan Snead, RB Dexter McCluster, DL Ted Laurent KEY GAMES: vs. #5 Alabama (10/10), vs. #11 LSU. OUTLOOK: They have a couple other road blocks that aren't top twenty-five but who knows they could get past these two teams both in Oxford setting a rematch with the Gators.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions: KEY PLAYERS: QB Daryll Clark, RB Evan Royster, LB Sean Lee. KEY GAMES: vs. #22 Iowa (9/26), vs. #6 Ohio State (11/07) OUTLOOK: I like the Nittany Lions schedule, they have a couple games that could result in an upset like last year but if they keep their head straight, they should head back to the BCS.
10. Oklahoma State Cowboys: KEY PLAYERS: QB Zac Robinson, WR Dez Bryant, RB Kendall Hunter KEY GAMES: vs. Georgia (9/5), vs. #2 Texas (10/31), at #3 Oklahoma (11/28) OUTLOOK: This year's Texas Tech? I think so, I will be watching intently to see how they do against Georgia tomorrow which will be the tell-tale sign of if the Cowboys are for real.
11. LSU Tigers: KEY PLAYERS: RB Charles Scott, WR Brandon LaFell, S Chad Jones: KEY GAMES: at #13 Georgia (10/03), vs. #1 Florida (10/10), at #5 Alabama (11/07), at #8 Mississippi (11/21) OUTLOOK: Pretty challenging schedule for the Tigers who really don't have a quarterback and I wouldn't be surprised if they are barely in the Top 25 by the end of the year.
12. California Golden Bears: KEY PLAYERS: RB Jahvid Best, DE Tyson Alualu, DE Cameron Jordan KEY GAMES: at #16 Oregon (9/26) vs. #4. USC (10/03) OUTLOOK: They could have a successful year with Best being the top running back in the nation and they have great D-Line as well. I see second in the Pac-10.
13. Georgia Bulldogs: KEY PLAYERS: WR A.J. Green, S Reshard Jones, LB Rennie Curren KEY GAMES: at #9 Oklahoma State (9/5) vs. #11 LSU (10/03) vs. #1 Florida (10/31) at #15 Georgia Tech (11/28) OUTLOOK: Who knows what in store for this team, Joe Cox has done some nice things when Stafford went down in years past and they have a some solid defense. Should be an interesting year.
14. Boise State Broncos: I wont give them the full run down because I think we saw last night that they are a very good team that should run the table in the WAC with a possible BCS birth at the end of the year. You never know which Bronco team you are going to get with Head Coach Chris Peterson's trickery.
15. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: KEY PLAYERS: RB Jonathan Dwyer, QB Josh Nesbit, S Morgan Burnett KEY GAMES: at #18 Florida State (10/10) vs. #7 Virgina Tech (10/17) vs #13 Georgia (11/28) OUTLOOK: Despite their old school offense, they could have a huge year but I am concerned about the back-to-back against FSU/VT though.
16. Oregon Ducks: Once again, no need to give them the full treatment because I think they might not be the team we expected. Also with their returning 1000 yd. rusher LaGarrete Blout may get kick off the team, not good news at all for the Fightin' Mitch Pratts.
17. TCU Horned Frogs: KEY PLAYERS: QB Andy Dalton, DE Jerry Hughes, WR Jimmy Young KEY GAMES:at #20 BYU (10/24) vs. #19 Utah (11/14) OUTLOOK: They have a couple tough games and a pretty young team, I doubt that TCU has the same success as last year.
18. Florida State Seminoles: KEY PLAYERS: QB Christian Ponder, LB Dekoda Watson, CB Patrick Robinson KEY GAMES: vs. Miami (9/7) at #20 BYU (9/19) vs #15 Georgia Tech (10/10) at #21 North Carolina (10/22) at #1 Florida (11/28) OUTLOOK: The Noles have a tough schedule with a lot of road games but if they could blow out the Cougars in two weeks that would be a big sign.
19. Utah Utes: Once again, they played on Thursday and now have a fifteen game winning streak. That will likely come to the end when dealing with Ducks, Colorado, TCU, and BYU all on the road this year doesnt look good for the Utes.
20. Brigham Young Cougars: KEY PLAYERS: QB Max Hall, TE Dennis Pitta, DE Jan Jorgenson KEY GAMES: at #3 Oklahoma (09/05), vs. #18 Florida State (09/19), vs.#17 TCU (10/24), vs. #19 Utah (11/28) OUTLOOK: Hall is a beast but the true question is can they win one of their two non-conference games? If that happens, the Cougars may be the real deal.
21. North Carolina Tar Heels: KEY PLAYERS: QB T.J. Yates, CB Kendric Burney, RB Shaun Draughan KEY GAMES: at #15 Georgia Tech (9/26) vs. #18 Florida State (10/22) at #7 Viriginia Tech (10/29) OUTLOOK: Butch Davis knows how to flat out win and Yates is the real deal. The Tar Heels could possibly win the ACC this year.
22. Iowa Hawkeyes: KEY PLAYERS: QB Ricky Stanzi, WR Derell Johnson-Koulianos, LB Pat Angerer KEY GAMES: at #9 Penn State (9/26), at #6 Ohio State (11/14) OUTLOOK: I would love to say for my buddy JS that they will be in the BCS but I just cant see them winning in Happy Valley and the Horseshoe. They will finish third in the Big Ten though.
23. Notre Dame Fightin' Irish: KEY PLAYERS: QB Jimmy Clausen, WR Golden Tate, RB Armando Allen KEY GAMES: vs. #4 USC (10/17) vs. Boston College (10/24) OUTLOOK: Probably the easiest schedule the Golden Domers have had in years and if they dont get to a New Years Day bowl then its bye bye to Charlie Weis.
24. Nebraska Cornhuskers: KEY PLAYERS: RB Roy Helu Jr. TE Mark McNeill, DT Ndamukong Sun KEY GAMES: at #7 Viriginia Tech (9/19), vs. #3 Oklahoma, at #25 Kansas (11/14) OUTLOOK: I think we will find out where the Cornhuskers stand after the Virigina Tech game and the Sooner game should be a big-time showdown.
25. Kansas Jayhawks: KEY PLAYERS: QB Todd Reesing, WR Dezmon Briscoe, S Darrell Stuckey KEY GAMES: vs #3. Oklahoma (10/24) vs. 24 Nebraska (11/14), at #2 Texas (11/21) OUTLOOK: I was amazed to see Reesing still playing and Briscoe is a hell of player too. Although they have too many tough games to be a contender in the Big 12 North.
Other teams to watch: Oregon State, Michigan State, Illinois, Texas Tech, and West Virigina
If I got something wrong here well its been a long week and now you get picks.
-Charlie.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Friday Picks
Well I am making it a goal to actually make it through the games tonight and not pass out early like last night. I was surprised to see how Missouri played last night and the three Big East schools won flexing their muscle.
MIDWEST:
(1) Louisville vs. (12) Arizona- I think this game is going to be a lot better than people expect it to be. Arizona was a team that underachieved all year and have picked the right time to find their step. I like how they matchup with the Cardinals tonight and the big factor will be if Chase Bundiger can stop Terrence Williams. I am not a huge fan of Williams but I guess I have to give him credit for his play in the recent weeks, it seems like no one can stop him. Jordan Hill vs. Samardo Samuels will be another key match up in the game. Edgar Sosa always seems to come up clutch in big games so look out for him. I think the run for Arizona ends tonight because I think Louisville is too tough for them to keep up with. LOUIS 79-75
(2) Michigan State vs. (3) Kansas- This game is a rematch from earlier on this season where in the previous matchup, the Spartans got the best of the Jayhawks in Breslin. This is a new Kansas team though with the improved play of Cole Aldrich. I watched Michigan State on Sunday and I never realized how smooth their offense runs plus Kalin Lucus is an absolute stud for them. I think a key factor will be if the Jayhawks can find a third scorer because if not, it could be a long night. I think the Spartans are too much for Kansas tonight with good play from Lucus, Goran Suton, and Travis Walton. MSU 69-63
SOUTH
(1) North Carolina vs. (4) Gonzaga- This game has interested me more in the past couple of days because I feel like the Zags have the formula to beat North Carolina if they put their best effort. Jeremy Pargo can keep up with Ty Lawson and Josh Heytvelt can neutralize Tyler Hansbrough. Although when it comes down to it, the bench of North Carolina is the reason they are going to win this game with the improved play of Ed Davis and others. It will be close but the Tar Heels pull it out. UNC 84-78
(2) Oklahoma vs. (3) Syracuse- The best game of the night by far. Both teams matchup so well with each other, it will be hard to pick a winner. The question of the night will be if Arinze Onuaku and Rick Jackson will be able to neutralize Blake Griffin. On the outside, I think Johnny Flynn can contain Willie Warren but I would watch out for Austin Johnson when he is on, its lights out for other teams. The same could be said about Andy Rautins. Look for a close battle with the Orange coming out victoriously. CUSE 86-83
-Charlie.
MIDWEST:
(1) Louisville vs. (12) Arizona- I think this game is going to be a lot better than people expect it to be. Arizona was a team that underachieved all year and have picked the right time to find their step. I like how they matchup with the Cardinals tonight and the big factor will be if Chase Bundiger can stop Terrence Williams. I am not a huge fan of Williams but I guess I have to give him credit for his play in the recent weeks, it seems like no one can stop him. Jordan Hill vs. Samardo Samuels will be another key match up in the game. Edgar Sosa always seems to come up clutch in big games so look out for him. I think the run for Arizona ends tonight because I think Louisville is too tough for them to keep up with. LOUIS 79-75
(2) Michigan State vs. (3) Kansas- This game is a rematch from earlier on this season where in the previous matchup, the Spartans got the best of the Jayhawks in Breslin. This is a new Kansas team though with the improved play of Cole Aldrich. I watched Michigan State on Sunday and I never realized how smooth their offense runs plus Kalin Lucus is an absolute stud for them. I think a key factor will be if the Jayhawks can find a third scorer because if not, it could be a long night. I think the Spartans are too much for Kansas tonight with good play from Lucus, Goran Suton, and Travis Walton. MSU 69-63
SOUTH
(1) North Carolina vs. (4) Gonzaga- This game has interested me more in the past couple of days because I feel like the Zags have the formula to beat North Carolina if they put their best effort. Jeremy Pargo can keep up with Ty Lawson and Josh Heytvelt can neutralize Tyler Hansbrough. Although when it comes down to it, the bench of North Carolina is the reason they are going to win this game with the improved play of Ed Davis and others. It will be close but the Tar Heels pull it out. UNC 84-78
(2) Oklahoma vs. (3) Syracuse- The best game of the night by far. Both teams matchup so well with each other, it will be hard to pick a winner. The question of the night will be if Arinze Onuaku and Rick Jackson will be able to neutralize Blake Griffin. On the outside, I think Johnny Flynn can contain Willie Warren but I would watch out for Austin Johnson when he is on, its lights out for other teams. The same could be said about Andy Rautins. Look for a close battle with the Orange coming out victoriously. CUSE 86-83
-Charlie.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Oklahoma=Ohio State
If you are a Oklahoma fan, I suggest that you either move on to another one of my great articles or read this, and begin to cry.
In terms of bowl games and playing outside of your conference, the Big 12 is no different that Big Ten. Yes, I said it. There is no difference in my opinion. They both have different styles that work in their conference. The Big 12 is a run and gun, see who can score 50 first type of conference. Then you have the Big 10 which is the smash mouth, hard defensive, see who can get 20 type of conference. Therefore I feel that as much flak as the Big 10 gets, the Big 12 should be receiving some of that flak too. Its bullshit to think that one conference has become brunt of the jokes after bowl season.
Oklahoma and Ohio State are very similar. They are bridesmaids to many teams. They both have one National Championship, Oklahoma defeated Florida State and Ohio State beat Miami. First off, Ohio State has been solid in bowl games not named the National Championship since the creation of the BCS. They played Texas tough this year but yes, they did their shit stomped against any team from the SEC. Oklahoma is almost worst off as they were upset by LSU and Boise State while they got stomped in the much hyped game against USC. Now their hyped up offense only scores 14 against Florida last night.
Bob Stoops in no way deserves to even be talked about being fired but the class of the Big 12 has suffered in the past five years. In National Championship games, Stoops is 1-3 which just getting there is hard enough but some may believe that teams across America has figured out Coach Stoops. Just like maybe teams have figured out Coach Tresell but I think Terrelle Pryor will debunk that theory before he is done.
"Me and you arent so different, you and I."
-Charlie.
In terms of bowl games and playing outside of your conference, the Big 12 is no different that Big Ten. Yes, I said it. There is no difference in my opinion. They both have different styles that work in their conference. The Big 12 is a run and gun, see who can score 50 first type of conference. Then you have the Big 10 which is the smash mouth, hard defensive, see who can get 20 type of conference. Therefore I feel that as much flak as the Big 10 gets, the Big 12 should be receiving some of that flak too. Its bullshit to think that one conference has become brunt of the jokes after bowl season.
Oklahoma and Ohio State are very similar. They are bridesmaids to many teams. They both have one National Championship, Oklahoma defeated Florida State and Ohio State beat Miami. First off, Ohio State has been solid in bowl games not named the National Championship since the creation of the BCS. They played Texas tough this year but yes, they did their shit stomped against any team from the SEC. Oklahoma is almost worst off as they were upset by LSU and Boise State while they got stomped in the much hyped game against USC. Now their hyped up offense only scores 14 against Florida last night.
Bob Stoops in no way deserves to even be talked about being fired but the class of the Big 12 has suffered in the past five years. In National Championship games, Stoops is 1-3 which just getting there is hard enough but some may believe that teams across America has figured out Coach Stoops. Just like maybe teams have figured out Coach Tresell but I think Terrelle Pryor will debunk that theory before he is done.
"Me and you arent so different, you and I."
-Charlie.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The National Championship: Oklahoma vs. Florida
What we have all been waiting for. Oklahoma vs. Florida, Bradford vs. Tebow, Big 12 vs. SEC. A lot of people think that they might have to share their national championship with another team if the AP believes so.
The game itself will be a good one but I will pick the Florida Gators for many reasons.
The first reason is Tim Tebow. Say what you you will about Sam Bradford but Tebow will prove that he is the best quarterback on the field tonight. Tebow can do it at all and he is playing with a chip on his shoulder all game long. Tebow wants to show everyone why he was the Heisman last year. He also has Percy Harvin to throw too and he is 90% healthy which as one said "is better than most on the field." Harvin will have a huge game and wants this just as bad as anyone.
The next reason is defense. The Oklahoma defense claims how tired they are of hearing about bad they are but they still have had trouble with teams like Texas, Oklahoma State, and others. Only the Texas Tech game did Oklahoma look like your national champion. Tebow has also seen four of the best twenty defenses in the nation already this year, he knows how to handle this defense. Florida's defense against Oklahoma's offensive line will be the biggest match up but the Sooners have not seen a defense quicker than the Florida's. Brandon Spikes will be all over the Sooner offense. Another big thing is they dont have Demarco Murray and they dont have a two-prong attack.
The final reason is Florida special teams is better than Oklahoma. Many things can be decided on special teams and if one thing can break this game for either teams this will be it. I dont believe we are in for a classic like Miami-Ohio St. or Texas-USC but I do expect a good game.
Florida 45 Oklahoma 35
The game itself will be a good one but I will pick the Florida Gators for many reasons.
The first reason is Tim Tebow. Say what you you will about Sam Bradford but Tebow will prove that he is the best quarterback on the field tonight. Tebow can do it at all and he is playing with a chip on his shoulder all game long. Tebow wants to show everyone why he was the Heisman last year. He also has Percy Harvin to throw too and he is 90% healthy which as one said "is better than most on the field." Harvin will have a huge game and wants this just as bad as anyone.
The next reason is defense. The Oklahoma defense claims how tired they are of hearing about bad they are but they still have had trouble with teams like Texas, Oklahoma State, and others. Only the Texas Tech game did Oklahoma look like your national champion. Tebow has also seen four of the best twenty defenses in the nation already this year, he knows how to handle this defense. Florida's defense against Oklahoma's offensive line will be the biggest match up but the Sooners have not seen a defense quicker than the Florida's. Brandon Spikes will be all over the Sooner offense. Another big thing is they dont have Demarco Murray and they dont have a two-prong attack.
The final reason is Florida special teams is better than Oklahoma. Many things can be decided on special teams and if one thing can break this game for either teams this will be it. I dont believe we are in for a classic like Miami-Ohio St. or Texas-USC but I do expect a good game.
Florida 45 Oklahoma 35
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Dominique Franks: I Hope you Like Crow
The reason I say that is because the Oklahoma Sooner cornerback made a not so smart statement on Sunday regarding Tim Tebow, he said...
"If you look at the three best quarterbacks in the country, they came from the Big 12," said Franks, referring to Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, Texas' Colt McCoy and Texas Tech's Graham Harrell. "The three best receivers in the country came from the Big 12. The three best tight ends came from the Big 12. So we've faced some great offenses, and a lot of people don't understand that other conferences don't have what we face."
While they do play great offense teams, those same teams do not play great defense. I think Oklahoma is right around the 70-90s in ranked defense and I believe they are the best defensive team in the Big 12 so these great offensives are not playing great defenses either. While Tebow has faced four out of the top 20 defenses in the nation.
So maybe that explains why the top of the Big 12 have gotten their asses kicked in the bowl season? Texas Tech couldnt stop Mississippi if their lives depended on it and really look like the Red Raiders of old who could just play offense not defense. Oklahoma State could have put Oregon away but instead let Jeremiah Masoli run/pass all over the Cowoys. Missouri should have lost to Northwestern but the Wildcats threw away a bunch of chances. The only impressive Big 12 team so far has been Kansas and their domination against Minnesota in the Insight Bowl.
Also why give Tebow any more motivation? This guy feeds off the smack talk, I can almost guarantee that he has Franks quote in the locker room and I hope Percy Harvin burns him deep early on in the game.
-Charlie.
"If you look at the three best quarterbacks in the country, they came from the Big 12," said Franks, referring to Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, Texas' Colt McCoy and Texas Tech's Graham Harrell. "The three best receivers in the country came from the Big 12. The three best tight ends came from the Big 12. So we've faced some great offenses, and a lot of people don't understand that other conferences don't have what we face."
While they do play great offense teams, those same teams do not play great defense. I think Oklahoma is right around the 70-90s in ranked defense and I believe they are the best defensive team in the Big 12 so these great offensives are not playing great defenses either. While Tebow has faced four out of the top 20 defenses in the nation.
So maybe that explains why the top of the Big 12 have gotten their asses kicked in the bowl season? Texas Tech couldnt stop Mississippi if their lives depended on it and really look like the Red Raiders of old who could just play offense not defense. Oklahoma State could have put Oregon away but instead let Jeremiah Masoli run/pass all over the Cowoys. Missouri should have lost to Northwestern but the Wildcats threw away a bunch of chances. The only impressive Big 12 team so far has been Kansas and their domination against Minnesota in the Insight Bowl.
Also why give Tebow any more motivation? This guy feeds off the smack talk, I can almost guarantee that he has Franks quote in the locker room and I hope Percy Harvin burns him deep early on in the game.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Murray Out For BCS Championship
Sorry guys about the lack of posting recently, there is this thing called finals. So I am giving you guys three posts until Thursday, I hope all can wait that long....
The Oklahoma Sooners suffered a big lost to their team as DeMarco Murray is out of the BCS Championship with a ruptured hamstring. This changes everything in game plans for both Florida and Oklahoma. Murray was a guy who not only could break a huge run but could also catch passes out of the backfield.
I remember seeing the injury against Missouri a couple weeks ago and I said "No Murray, no national championship." Of course they still have a chance to win, but it is going to take a Heisman effort by Sam Bradford. He will be keyed on even more than expected and will have to make things happen the entire game. Chris Brown, the back up is a good player but he doesnt make up the speed that Murray has.
Also I hope Murray gets better, this kid has a future although he seems to be bitten by the injury bug.
-Charlie.
The Oklahoma Sooners suffered a big lost to their team as DeMarco Murray is out of the BCS Championship with a ruptured hamstring. This changes everything in game plans for both Florida and Oklahoma. Murray was a guy who not only could break a huge run but could also catch passes out of the backfield.
I remember seeing the injury against Missouri a couple weeks ago and I said "No Murray, no national championship." Of course they still have a chance to win, but it is going to take a Heisman effort by Sam Bradford. He will be keyed on even more than expected and will have to make things happen the entire game. Chris Brown, the back up is a good player but he doesnt make up the speed that Murray has.
Also I hope Murray gets better, this kid has a future although he seems to be bitten by the injury bug.
-Charlie.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Shoulda Been Texas
The BCS has decided.
Despite losing to Texas, the Oklahoma Sooners are playing in the Big 12 Championship against Missouri this weekend instead of the Texas Longhorns. The Sooners have played a better non-conference schedule beating Cincinnati, and TCU but the Sooners still lost to Texas. Via Brad Edwards of ESPN.com, "The Human Element of the BCS had Texas over Oklahoma." So once again, its the computers that has put us in this position.
Now you could say well the team Texas lost to, the Sooners smoked by 44. Lets remember that when the Longhorns were on the road and the last game out of four which were all against top 15 teams. Oklahoma was at home and had this game circled after losing to Texas.
There is still some optimism for the Longhorns as they could still see themselves in the BCS Championship game because if the Sooners were to lose to the Tigers, it would be assumed that Texas would slide in. There even might be a chance to see Texas in there if Oklahoma wins and Florida beats Alabama (I highly doubt that situation). At this point, since Texas didnt win the Big 12, they have no reason to play for the National Championship.
-Charlie.
Despite losing to Texas, the Oklahoma Sooners are playing in the Big 12 Championship against Missouri this weekend instead of the Texas Longhorns. The Sooners have played a better non-conference schedule beating Cincinnati, and TCU but the Sooners still lost to Texas. Via Brad Edwards of ESPN.com, "The Human Element of the BCS had Texas over Oklahoma." So once again, its the computers that has put us in this position.
Now you could say well the team Texas lost to, the Sooners smoked by 44. Lets remember that when the Longhorns were on the road and the last game out of four which were all against top 15 teams. Oklahoma was at home and had this game circled after losing to Texas.
There is still some optimism for the Longhorns as they could still see themselves in the BCS Championship game because if the Sooners were to lose to the Tigers, it would be assumed that Texas would slide in. There even might be a chance to see Texas in there if Oklahoma wins and Florida beats Alabama (I highly doubt that situation). At this point, since Texas didnt win the Big 12, they have no reason to play for the National Championship.
-Charlie.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
BCS Gettin' Messy
The new BCS standings have came out today around seven and once again we have some controversy as they rank 1. Alabama, 2. Texas, 3. Oklahoma, 4. Florida, 5. USC.
Now there is a three-way tie for the Big 12 South title and if no one loses their last game then it will be based on the BCS Standings whoever is the highest. As you can see now, its Texas who beat the Sooners by 10 but lost to the Red Raiders. In my opinion, if one team (Oklahoma or Texas) wins by a big amount and the other struggles to win, then its obvious that the team who dominates deserves to play in the Big 12 Championship. Now if both teams win by 10+, I think the team that deserves to play in the Big 12 championship is Texas for the reason I stated above.
Brad Edwards of ESPN.com wrote a great article breaking down the possibilities of still seeing America's favorite Texas Tech Red Raiders in the championship which I had no idea was possible. All that really needs to happen is of course, the Red Raiders beat Baylor, then Oklahoma State beats Oklahoma in Stillwater which is completely possible after the beatdown the Sooners laid on the Red Raiders, a letdown is completely pausable. Also Texas Tech has to get by Missouri in the Big 12 championship game as well.
If this situation happens, I would lose complete hope in the BCS and maybe the United States if USC or Penn State make into the BCS Championship. Granted I like both of those teams but they dont deserve it as much as Texas Tech. I dont care if they got their asses kicked by a whopping forty-four points, they deserve to play if the aforementioned situation occurs.
Another scary situation: What if one of these three loses to Mizzou in the Big 12 Title game? Then does USC (lets remember if the Oregon State Beavers win on Saturday, they are the Pac-10 Champions) or Penn State get in? Or do you allowed the team that didnt play for the Big 12 championship into the mix?
The BCS back again.
-Charlie.
Now there is a three-way tie for the Big 12 South title and if no one loses their last game then it will be based on the BCS Standings whoever is the highest. As you can see now, its Texas who beat the Sooners by 10 but lost to the Red Raiders. In my opinion, if one team (Oklahoma or Texas) wins by a big amount and the other struggles to win, then its obvious that the team who dominates deserves to play in the Big 12 Championship. Now if both teams win by 10+, I think the team that deserves to play in the Big 12 championship is Texas for the reason I stated above.
Brad Edwards of ESPN.com wrote a great article breaking down the possibilities of still seeing America's favorite Texas Tech Red Raiders in the championship which I had no idea was possible. All that really needs to happen is of course, the Red Raiders beat Baylor, then Oklahoma State beats Oklahoma in Stillwater which is completely possible after the beatdown the Sooners laid on the Red Raiders, a letdown is completely pausable. Also Texas Tech has to get by Missouri in the Big 12 championship game as well.
If this situation happens, I would lose complete hope in the BCS and maybe the United States if USC or Penn State make into the BCS Championship. Granted I like both of those teams but they dont deserve it as much as Texas Tech. I dont care if they got their asses kicked by a whopping forty-four points, they deserve to play if the aforementioned situation occurs.
Another scary situation: What if one of these three loses to Mizzou in the Big 12 Title game? Then does USC (lets remember if the Oregon State Beavers win on Saturday, they are the Pac-10 Champions) or Penn State get in? Or do you allowed the team that didnt play for the Big 12 championship into the mix?
The BCS back again.
-Charlie.
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